AlaskaCare Retiree Health News | Monthly e-newsletter

Alaska Department of Administration sent this bulletin at 10/27/2023 09:52 AM AKDT

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Volume 62| October 2023
IN THIS EDITION:

 
 
 

DVA Logo Graphic

Retiree Dental-Vision-Audio Open Enrollment is now Open!

Open Enrollment for the Retiree Dental-Vision-Audio (DVA) plan opened on October 11 and closes on November 22, 2023. Retiree DVA plan - this is your annual opportunity to review your DVA coverage options and make benefit elections for you and your family for the next plan year, which begins on January 1, 2024. This does not apply to or impact your medical benefits.

If you do not participate in Open Enrollment, your benefit elections will not change from what you have now.  If you are not a current Retiree DVA plan member, you are not eligible to participate in DVA Open Enrollment. You can make changes to your benefit elections online at AlaskaCare.gov/DVA during the Open Enrollment period, beginning October 11, 2023 and ending November 22, 2023.

You can make changes to your benefit elections online at AlaskaCare.gov/DVA during the Open Enrollment period.

Need more information?

  1. Visit the AlaskaCare Retiree Dental-Vision-Audio Plan webpage. This page is updated frequently with more information about your dental plan options and open enrollment.
  2. Check out the DVA Frequently Asked Questions. If you have questions, we may already have provided the answer in our online FAQs.
  3. Contact the AlaskaCare Member Education Center. You can reach us toll-free at (800) 821-2251 or in Juneau at (907) 465-4460 or at DRB.Benefits@alaska.gov

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Public Comment Period - 2024 Insurance Information Booklet

The Department of Administration, Division of Retirement and Benefits, proposes to adopt changes to the AlaskaCare Defined Benefit Retiree Insurance Information Booklet, effective for the 2024 plan year.

We want to hear from you!  You may comment on the proposed plan booklet changes by submitting written comments:

By Mail:

State of Alaska
Division of Retirement and Benefits
P.O. Box 110203
Juneau, AK 99811-0203

By email: doa.drb.alaskacare.retiree.plan@alaska.gov

Public comments will be accepted starting October 02, 2023, through Friday, November 03, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. AKDT.

A copy of the proposed AlaskaCare Retiree Insurance Information booklet will be available on the Division of Retirement and Benefits webpage.

After the public comment period ends, the Plan Administrator will either adopt the proposed plans, or other provisions dealing with the same subject, without further notice. The language of the final plan documents may be different from the proposed plan documents. You should comment during the time allowed if your interests could be affected. Written comments received are public records and are subject to public inspection.

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Men - Make Your Health a Top Priority

Men’s health is in crisis. Men are dying an average of 5 years earlier than women, often due to preventable causes. In November we recognize both Men’s Health month and Diabetes Awareness month by encouraging the men in our lives to make small steps towards a healthier long life. Movember is a month dedicated to raising awareness about men’s health worldwide.  This Movember join men growing their mustaches to start conversations about men's health. Movember is a time for Men to make their health a top priority and take daily steps to be healthier and stronger.

Men develop diabetes slightly more than women do. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 15.5% of men were estimated to have diabetes as of 2020, compared with 13.2% of women. The American Diabetes Association  observes that men, sometimes overlooking their health concerns, can be less likely to seek help for health concerns, can experience shorter lifespans and have a higher likelihood of health challenges compared to women.  Just as it does in women, diabetes can cause complications, such as nerve pain and vision problems, in men.

Type 2 diabetes may cause the following health issues in men:

Low testosterone: Type 2 diabetes doubles the risk for having low testosterone levels. When the male hormone drops, it can result in symptoms like low energy, muscle loss, depression, and sexual problems, including low libido and erectile dysfunction (ED). Your primary physician can check your testosterone level and offer medications to address the issue.

Urologic issues: Diabetes can harm the nerves controlling the bladder, potentially leading to urological issues, such as an overactive bladder and urinary tract infections. High blood sugar may also result in urine retention, causing incomplete or infrequent urination and posing long-term risks of kidney damage.

Ways to fight the problem.

Many health complications caused by diabetes can be managed and treated. The first thing is to discuss your specific symptoms with your healthcare provider.

You can take action to fight high blood sugar, including:

  • Eat a balanced diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains into your meals while avoiding excess sugar and calories.
  • Exercise Walking for 30 minutes a day can make a big difference in lowering your blood sugar.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight. Even losing two to three pounds per year helps battle type 2 diabetes in the long run.

If you think you may be at risk for diabetes or are experiencing some of the symptoms of the disease, talk to your provider.

 

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New in 2024: Lifetime Maximum Benefit Increase

The lifetime maximum insurance benefit is the maximum dollar amount that the AlaskaCare Defined Benefit Retiree health plan (plan) will pay out during a member’s lifetime for healthcare services. The plan currently contains a $2 million lifetime maximum. We are happy to announce this is about to change! 

The lifetime maximum benefit limit in the AlaskaCare Defined Benefit Retiree health plan will be increased to $8 million effective January 1, 2024. 

In addition, the reinstatement of benefits plan provisions related to the lifetime maximum will be removed.

A higher lifetime maximum limit helps members retain access to health insurance during a catastrophic health event and provides financial relief for members who have met or are approaching the current lifetime limit.

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Get Ready for Flu Season

During the 2023-2024 cold and flu season, getting a flu vaccine is important to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community from flu.

While it’s not possible to say with certainty what will happen in the fall and winter, CDC believes it’s likely that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both be spreading at that time.  Take action today to protect yourself and your family!

Does the AlaskaCare Retiree Plan cover flu shots?

Yes, through December 31, 2021, the AlaskaCare retiree plan is temporarily covering Trivalent and Quadrivalent influenza vaccines along with the pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine.

  • If you get your flu or pneumonia vaccine at a network pharmacy, AlaskaCare will cover 100% of the cost. Call OptumRx at (855) 409-6999 if you need help locating a network pharmacy.
  • If you get your flu or pneumonia vaccine at an out-of-network pharmacy, you will need to pay for the vaccine up front and submit a claim to OptumRx to be reimbursed for the cost, up to the recognized charge.
  • If you get your flu or pneumonia vaccine at your doctor’s office, the standard deductible and coinsurance will apply.

Permanent coverage for flu and pneumonia shots is part of the addition of preventive care coverage to the retiree health plan that went into effect on January 1, 2022.

When is the best time to get my influenza vaccine?

September and October are generally good times to be vaccinated. Ideally, everyone should be vaccinated by the end of October. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that adults aged 65 or older preferentially receive one of the higher-dose or adjuvanted influenza vaccines.

 RSV Vaccine Graphic

For more information on Influenza, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage.

 

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2023 Health Fairs - Thank You for Making them a Success!

AlaskaCare partnered with the Pacific Healthcare Coalition (PHC) to host several events all over the state this fall. Events were held in Palmer, Fairbanks, Soldotna, Anchorage, and Juneau over a period of 3 weeks in September and October, and by all accounts, the events were a great success. Altogether, over 2,000 comprehensive lab tests and almost 900 flu vaccines were administered to State of Alaska retirees and employees at no cost to our AlaskaCare members.

Representatives from Aetna, Optum, Delta Dental, and other AlaskaCare vendors were on hand to assist with registration tasks and answer member questions. And perhaps best of all, our AlaskaCare team was able to interact with many of our members face to face and get to know you even better. We were pleased to see so many familiar faces in attendance. We would like to thank everyone that came out to help make these events so successful!

 
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Free At-Home COVID Tests Provided by the Federal Government

Starting September 25, 2023, every U.S. household may place an order to receive four free COVID-⁠19 rapid tests delivered directly to your home. You can order them here. You should take an at-home test if you begin having COVID-19 symptoms like fever, sore throat, runny nose, or loss of taste or smell. You should also test at least 5 days after you come into close contact with someone with COVID-19. A test should also be administered when you're going to gather with a group of people, especially those who are at risk for severe disease or may not be up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccines. 

The U.S. government will continue to make COVID-⁠19 tests available to uninsured individuals and underserved communities through existing outreach programs. Please contact an HRSA health center, Test to Treat site, or ICATT location near you to learn how to access low- or no-cost COVID-⁠19 tests provided by the federal government.

Need help placing an order for your at-⁠home tests?
Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).

 

Subscribe to the Monthly Retiree Health Plan Newsletter

Retiree newsletters are sent electronically to Health Plan members that have subscribed to receive updates. Each month we feature an article that helps you Get to Know your Benefits, provides you with updates about the Health Plan, and information about health events and resources. You can subscribe or unsubscribe at any time by managing your preferences here

 

We Want to Hear From You!
Retiree Town Hall Events

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Retiree Town Hall Events are group calls hosted by the Alaska Department of Administration, Division of Retirement and Benefits for all interested AlaskaCare retirees and families to ask questions about the AlaskaCare health plans. Town hall events occur on the third Thursday of each month, and you are welcome to join us.

You can pre-register now online to join the call to learn more about your health plan and ask Division staff any questions you have about your benefits. This format gives retirees a chance to connect directly with Division staff to hear the latest news on all things AlaskaCare, raise questions, share comments, and learn more about the health plans.

Upcoming Town Hall Events:

We Value Your Feedback!

feedback

Your input is valued and important. Below, please see a list of ways to contact us with your feedback. Also, a full list of AlaskaCare health plan and partner contact information can be found on our website.

AlaskaCare – Plan Administrator

  • Toll-Free: (800) 821-2251

  • In Juneau: (907) 465-4460

  • TDD: (907) 465-2805

  • Fax: (907) 465-3086

  • Email: doa.drb.mscc@alaska.gov

 

Physical Address:

State Office Building
6th Floor
333 Willoughby Avenue
Juneau, AK 99801 

Mailing Address:

State of Alaska
Division of Retirement and Benefits
P.O. Box 110203
Juneau, AK 99811-0203

  

Health Benefit Contact Information

Division of Retirement and Benefits
Member Education Center: (907) 465-4460
Toll-Free: (800) 821-2251

Medical Benefits: Aetna
Member Services: (855) 784-8646

Long Term Care Benefits: CHCS Services, Inc.
Member Services: (888) 287-7116

Dental Benefits: Moda/Delta Dental
Member Services: (855) 718-1768

Pharmacy Benefits: Optum Rx
Member Services: (855) 409-6999